When your tooth begins to ache or feel sensitive, you should consider an appointment with your El Paso, TX, dentists. Without treatment, this could lead to the onset of a serious cavity. Fortunately, for patients with tooth decay we have a restoration that looks natural and blends seamlessly with a smile. How do we create and place fillings that look natural?
The Dental Filling Process
While effective, a metal restoration stands out against the rest of your smile. In addition, they may not be the best option for young children, pregnant women, or those with metal allergies. Fortunately, we have an alternative created from composite resin. This metal-free material is composed of a blend of quartz-like and acrylic compounds. We can shade the material to ensure the filling blends with the rest of your smile. After we remove the decay, we will clean the tooth thoroughly and etch the surface if necessary. We then prepare and apply the composite resin in several layers, the etched portions keep the material in place as we cure it with a light and sculpt the tooth. The final step is polishing, which helps ensure a bright and attractive appearance. In a single visit, our team can halt cavities and protect the smile’s health and appearance.
What Causes a Cavity?
A cavity forms when harmful bacteria is allowed access to the dentin, the sensitive, porous layers of tooth structure beneath the outer enamel. While the enamel usually protects the smile, poor oral hygiene could weaken and erode the enamel. An injury could also chip or fracture the enamel, enabling bacteria to reach the dentin. Over time, people with a cavity will begin to notice tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, and eventually a persistent toothache.
Infections and Other Complications
If you begin to experience pain and sensitivity in your teeth, please let us know. Without treatment, the decay could give bacteria access to the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. An infection or abscess could begin, which leads to more severe discomfort and eventually, the risk of tooth loss. Don’t let an infection threaten your smile’s health and stability, let us know so we can perform a diagnosis and see if you need to have a filling or crown placed. If you have any questions about our fillings, or about identifying and treating tooth decay, then contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO ABOUT TREATING CAVITIES
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team offers a natural looking solution to tooth decay. If you have questions about our lifelike restoration options, or if you want to set up an appointment, you can reach our East El Paso dental practice on 10039 Dyer St., at 915-859-7000!